Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is a cinematic phenomenon which has gathered a huge following and achieved large scale success and, unsurprisingly, it has had its share of fan theories. One of the biggest and most known theories that is yet to be confirmed is that Tyrion Lannister is actually a Targaryen. There is a fair chance you have heard of this theory but let’s take a look under the hood and see what sparked these ideas and if they stand up or are just the mad ramblings of fans looking for something that isn’t there.

During the second episode of the sixth series (“Home”) Tyrion acquaints himself with, and unchains, two of Daenerys’ dragons which are chained up in the catacombs. The dragons, Rhaegal and Viserion seemingly take to Tyrion instead of burning him to a crisp right there and then. It is possible, as this theory suggests, that the dragons did not barbecue him because of more than just a sense that he was there to help. But if there is more to it, then what is the actual reason Tyrion made it out alive?

The theory goes that Tyrion is the illegitimate child of Aerys Targaryen. This definitely offers an alternative reason to why the Dragons took to him the way they did. But does the idea that Tyrion is secretly the son of Aerys stand up or not? This theory would suggest so. In a Song of Ice and Fire it is stated that Aerys was infatuated with Joanna, Tyrion’s mother, even after she married Tywin Lannister. Furthermore, Aerys drunkenly joked how he wished the tradition of first night, which allowed the king to sleep with new brides, was not banned, in reference to Joanna.  Being King, it is fair to say that Aerys likely got his way whether through force, blackmail, or other means. It is equally possible that Tyrion could be a result of Aerys’ lust for his mother, Joanna.

A further sign that Tyrion is the son of Aerys is Tywin’s hate for him. Whilst the birth of Tyrion resulted in Joanna’s death it is reasonable to suggest that Tywin should have taken his love for Joanna and poured it into their son. But love is the last thing Tywin shows Tyrion, refusing to consider him his heir despite his huge focus on family and legacy.

This quote from Tywin summarises it best, “Men’s laws give you the right to bear my name and display my colours, since I cannot prove that you are not mine. To teach my humility, the gods have condemned me to watch you waddle about wearing that proud lion that was my father’s sigil and his fathers before him. But neither gods nor men shall compel me to turn Casterly Rock into your whorehouse.”

Could it be that Tywin knows Tyrion is in fact not his son?

Tywin’s treatment of Tyrion alongside Tyrion’s Targaryen like affinity for fire and dragons as well as other evidence culminate into a strong case that Tyrion is really a Targaryen.

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